A coordinated series of bomb attacks across Mindanao in July 2009 killed 8 and injured 66, straining peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF.
Key Facts
- Deaths
- 8 people
- Injured
- at least 66 people
- Attack dates
- July 4, 5, and 7, 2009
- Locations affected
- Datu Piang, Jolo, Cotabato, Iligan
- Suspected groups
- MILF, Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ongoing militant activity in Mindanao by groups including the MILF, Abu Sayyaf, and Jemaah Islamiyah provided the backdrop for the attacks. Responsibility was disputed, with the MILF denying involvement and calling for an independent investigation into what they described as the work of 'heartless people.'
Between July 4 and 7, 2009, a series of bomb attacks struck the towns of Datu Piang and Jolo and the cities of Cotabato and Iligan in Mindanao, Philippines. The blasts killed 8 people and injured at least 66, and were condemned by Pope Benedict XVI and the Roman Catholic Church.
Philippine security forces increased surveillance across Mindanao and Metro Manila. The UN Development Program suspended refugee operations in the south, and opposition politicians speculated the bombings could be used to justify emergency rule. A government spokesperson maintained that peace negotiations with the MILF would continue despite the violence.